It was first seen at this year's Eurovision Song Contest (L&SI June 2004) and is now on its début world tour with Phil Collins (L&SI August 2004) via PRG Europe. A complete system consists of InMotion 3D object-oriented software, an unlimited number of half-tonne Verlinde CyberHoist motors, an Ethernet network (DataMotion), a dedicated power distribution system (PowerMotion) and the human element - a programmer/operator.
As with an automated lighting rig, the system's 'intelligence' is shared between a host control computer and each individual motor. The motors' integral CPUs interact with the InMotion 3D motion control software, running on a host computer or dedicated hardware controller via Ethernet, and feed back real-time information on position, speed, temperature, load and communication status to ensure a high level of positional accuracy and operational safety. It also means that, apart from the host computer, no external processing racks are required.
